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Federal officials have stated Sunshine Freight Carriers was on a prioritized list for increased inspections because of its past safety record.

The Florida Highway Patrol is focusing its investigation on whether the metal beams were properly secured to the bed of the truck.

“In any normal situation, those beams should not come loose simply by applying the brakes," said FHP spokeswoman Kim Montes. “This truck struck no other vehicle. There was no other impact, so they should stay in place.”

Instead, the beams crashed through the cab when Estien slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting a fire truck as it pulled out of its station.

Video from the accident shows the tie-downs snapped in two as the beams came loose, crushing Estien.

“It pushed the back of the seat, which in turn pushed the seat against the steering wheel, when he was tied up against the steering wheel. It was pretty sad," said witness Gary Reagan.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Sunshine Freight Carriers has two drivers and a string of violations.

In the past two years, it was cited 17 times for maintenance violations, including one for failure to prevent cargo from shifting, one for damaged cargo restraints or tie-downs and one for failing to meet minimum tie down requirements.

The company is facing more frequent inspections for letting its drivers stay on the road beyond the hours allowed by law.

Investigators are also looking at a flashing yellow light at the intersection where the accident occurred.

Witnesses have reportedly said it did not turn red, like it was supposed to, when the fire truck left the station.